For Leak & Sons Funeral Home, a pandemic is no easy business

Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, started 87 years ago, has helped families bury police officers, homicide victims and singer Sam Cooke. The coronavirus pandemic has forced the South Side institution to grapple with something altogether different.

(Zbigniew Bzdak)

“It’s understandable they are upset.”

With so many calls coming in daily, some families became frustrated by delays, says Spencer Leak Jr., vice president of Leak & Sons Funeral Homes. “They may or may not understand that you had three calls before and now you’re late getting to their home," he said. “It’s understandable they are upset.” (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Only 10 people at a time

A casket is moved past a sign limiting the amount of people inside the Leak & Sons Funeral Home. Gatherings are no longer an option since only 10 people at a time are allowed at viewings and services, all while observing strict social distancing protocols. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

“I’m sure all of us are swamped.”

Spencer Leak Jr. directs traffic after a funeral service. Leak said what Leak & Sons is experiencing isn’t unique — mortuaries throughout the city are going through the same thing. “We’re no greater than the other funeral home down the street,” he said. “I’m sure all of us are swamped.” (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

“Everything that was done before, is still done”

Spencer Leak Jr., left, talks with the Rev. LaRue Kidd before a funeral service. “Everything that was done before is still done,” he said. “Our families are saying they won’t allow this pandemic to toss their loved one away. It makes them want to honor the dead more." (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Leak & Sons

Thank you

A person who works with the funeral home wrote a thank you note to Spencer Leak Jr., vice president of Leak & Sons Funeral Homes. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

“I’m so proud of my employees"

Spencer Leak Jr., right, works at his funeral home with other employees on May 6, 2020. His staff, he said, hasn’t skipped a beat, even though they had the option to step away from the business to ensure their personal safety. “I’m so proud of my employees for saying they wanted to continue to work,” he said. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Three generations

Spencer Leak Jr., the third generation in the family-owned business, prides himself on the compassion he shows during the process, taking family members by the arm, perhaps telling them a joke as they walk through the door to make funeral arrangements, pulling out their chair as they sit down in his office. He can’t do that anymore since they have to remain 6 feet apart. He used to walk older mourners to their cars. Now he says goodbye at the door. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)